About maketodayrock.com: We celebrate musicians' birthdays, remember those we've lost, and highlight key moments in music such a release dates, chart peak dates, or anything else tied to a specific date. Pick any day from the menu in the top right. The front page shows recent obituaries.
August 27, 2024 ~ Drummer Makaya Ntshoko passed away ~ Closely associated with Dollar Brand and Hugh Masekela with whom he would regularly collaborate over his lengthy career, including on the 1959 Jazz Epistles Verse 1 landmark album by the Jazz Epistles. Despite their brief lifespan, the ensemble, inspired by American bebop, is considered pivotal to the development of South African jazz and one of the nation's first black ensembles to record. Following the band's disbandement, Ntshoko founded the Jazz Giants, with whom he played until departing South Africa. Ntshoko would go on to work in both Europe and America, appearing on albums by Stuff Smith, fellow expatriate Masekela (Home Is Where The Music Is), John Tchicai, Pepper Adams (Julian), Joe McPhee, Hannibal Lokumbe, Johnny Dyani (Song For Biko), Mal Waldron, Bob Degen, Ben Webster, and Abdullah Ibrahim. As a leader, Ntshoko is perhaps most noted for the Makaya & the Tsotsis album released in 1974 ~ Ntshoko was born in 1939
August 27, 2023 ~ Calypso, gospel, pop singer Denyse Plummer, full name Denyse Burnadette Kirline Plummer, passed away ~ Has recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Natural in 1978. Quit her day job in 1977 to pursue a career in music, singing pop songs through the early 1980s. An invite by Phase II Pan Groove's Lennox Sharpe to sing two songs would set her on a career in calypso music, eventually being recognised as one of the leading calypso performers of her day. Well-known for songs such as Heroes and Nah Leaving ~ Plummer was born in 1953August 27, 2022 ~ Manuel Muñoz Alcón, commonly known as flamenco guitarist, composer Manolo Sanlúcar, passed away in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain ~ Alongside Paco de Lucia, Tomatito and Vicente Amigo considered one of the key figures in the evolution of the flamenco guitar. Actively recording since the late 1960s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Tauromagia and Locura De Brisa Y Trino ~ Alcón was born in 1943
August 27, 2021 ~ Samuel Salter, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Sam Salter, passed away in Apple Valley, California, USA ~ Influenced by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Discovered by LA Reid. Had his 1997 It's On Tonight debut album produced by a team which included Tricky Stewart, Tony Rich and Robin Thicke, spawning the Billboard R&B top 20 hit After 12 Before 6. Would continue to record to mixed succes. Has written songs for 98°, Aaron Skyy, Xscape's Kandi Burruss, B2K, the Isley Brothers, and Tyrese ~ Salter was born in 1975
August 27, 2019 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter Donnie Fritts, full name Donald Ray Frits, passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Kris Kristofferson. Also worked with Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill, Dan Penn, Arthur Alexander, David Briggs, Jerry Carrigan, Norbert Putnam, Jerry Wexler, Willie Nelson, Spooner Oldham, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White, Sammy Creason, Lee Roy Parnell, and John Prine. As a songwriter, Fritts had his songs recorded by Joe Simon, Bonnie Koloc, Charlie Rich (You're Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning), the Box Tops, Dolly Parton (We Had It All), and Dusty Springfield (Breakfast In Bed) ~ Fritts was born in 1942
August 27, 2014 ~ Progressive rock, Christian rock singer, keyboardist Jan Groth, full name Jan Leonard Groth, passed away ~ Rose to prominence in the early 1970s as member of progressive rock band Aunt Mary, singing lead and playing keyboards. Would later venture out on his own, focusing on Christian rock. Internationally perhaps best known as member of Just 4 Fun, representing Norway in the 1991 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Mrs Thompson reaching 17th place ~ Groth was born in 1946August 27, 2014 ~ Jazz trombonist, composer, arranger Roy Crimmins born in London, UK ~ Worked with Mick Mulligan, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Ray Premru, Don Lusher, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Archie Semple, Alex Welsh, Freddy Randall, Harry Gold, Lennie Hastings, Pee Wee Russell, Wild Bill Davison, and Bob Wilber ~ Crimmins was born in 1929
August 27, 2007 ~ Pianist, music director Doug Riley, full name Douglas Brian Riley, passed away in Calgary, Canada ~ Also recorded under the moniker Dr Music. Musical director of the Famous People Players for two decades. Keyboardist and arranger on Ray Charles' 1969 Doing His Thing album after which Charles offered him a steady spot in the band. Riley kindfully declined, focusing on his career in Canada ~ Riley was born in 1945
August 27, 2006 ~ Beat, psychedelic rock drummer Christer Pettersson passed away in Solna, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of the Hep Stars, enjoying popularity in their native Sweden during the 1960s. The band is best known as serving as the launchpad for Benny Anderson of later ABBA fame. Well known songs include Farmer John, Cadillac, Bald Headed Woman, Sunny Girl, Wedding, Consolation, Malaika and Mot Okant Land ~ Pettersson was born in 1942
August 27, 2006 ~ Grindcore, death metal guitarist Jesse Pintado, full name Jesus Ernesto Pintado Andrade, passed away in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a member of grindcore band Napalm Death, joining the band in 1989 as replacement for Bil Steer. Pintado remained with the band through 2004 and appears on about half a dozen of the band's albums, including the critically acclaimed Fear Emptiness Despair. Pintado has also worked with Terrorizer, Nausea LA, Lock Up, Resistant Culture, and Brujeria. Pintado passed away at age 37 of liver failure ~ Pintado was born in 1969
August 27, 2001 ~ Guitarist Cal Collins passed away in Dillsboro, Indiana, USA ~ Collins first played the mandolin as a bluegrass musician but turned to jazz guitar after hearing Charlie Christian, Irving Ashby, and Oscar Moore perform. Collins worked with artists such as Benny Goodman, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vaché Jr, Rosemary Clooney, Ross Tompkins, Woody Herman, John Bunch, and Marshal Royal. Collins would occasionally return to country including on a 1993 tour with Jerry Douglas and Doc Watson ~ Collins was born in 1933August 27, 1997 ~ Madeline Ashley Noyes, commonly known as singer Maty Noyes, born in Corinth, Mississippi, USA ~ First gained attention as vocalist on the Weeknd's 2015 Beauty Behind The Madness album and subsequently as lead singer on Kygo's international hit Stay. Debuted a as a solo artist with the Noyes Complaint EP in 2016
August 27, 1995 ~ DiFosco T Ervin Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Big Dee Irwin, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Lead singer of 1950's vocal group the Pastels, known for their debut single Been So Long, penned by Ervin. Best known for duetting with Little Eva on the 1963 single Swinging On A Star, a top 40 hit in America, top 10 in the UK. Also known for a handful of earlier modest R&B hits such as 1959's I Can't Help It (I'm Falling In Love), 1960's Let's Try Again and 1961's Someday You'll Understand Why. Has also worked as a songwriter for Clydie King, Ray Charles, and Bobby Womack ~ Ervin was born in 1932
August 27, 1990 ~ Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan passed away in East Troy, Wisconsin, USA ~ Although his career was cut short by an untimely death, Vaughan is considered one of the most influential and gifted guitarists in blues rock. Baby brother of Jimmie Vaughan. Paved the way for guitarists such as Robert Cray, Jeff Healey, Robben Ford, Walter Trout. Recorded half a dozen albums starting with Texas Flood released in 1983. Guested on recordings by David Bowie, Johnny Copeland, Marcia Ball, Lonnie Mack, James Brown, Dick Dale, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Warnes ~ Vaughan was born in 1954
August 27, 1989 ~ Indie rock, alternative country, folk rock singer, songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield born in Kent, Ohio, USA ~ Member of family bluegrass outfit One Way Rider, touring as early as age 8. Recorded her White Lies solo debut at age 15, selling only a few hundred copies. One of those copies reached the Black Keys singer Dan Auerbach. The latter would go on to produce her next album, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, released in 2008. Mayfield has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase sinceAugust 27, 1988 ~ Country singer Vern Gosdin releases Chiseled In Stone, lifted off the album of the same name ~ Written by Vern Gosdin and regular collaborator Max D Barnes, Chiseled In Stone would peak at No.6 Billboard Country, making it the third consecutive top 10 hit off the parent album of the same name, preceded by Do You Believe Me Now and Set 'Em Up Joe. The fourth and final single off the album, Who You Gonna Blame It On This Time, also made the top 10. Furthermore, Chiseled In Stone earned the singer a CMA award for Song of the Year and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song. Over the course of his career, Gosdin would record over half a dozen songs co-written by Barnes, one of the most successful country songwriters of the 1980s. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Barnes include Pam Rose, the Kendalls, Keith Whitley, Waylon Jennings, George Jones (Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes), and Conway Twitty
August 27, 1988 ~ Singer Whitney Houston releases One Moment In Time, recorded as a promotional single for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea ~ Produced by Narada Michael Walden, written by veteran songwriters Albert Hammond and John Bettis. The former was well known among others for writing and first recording It Never Rains In Southern California and The Air That I Breathe, both of which would be regularly covered, while John Bettis is best known for his association with the Carpenters including co-writing Top Of The World and Yesterday Once More as well as for co-writing Slow Hand for the Pointer Sisters. Whitney Houston recorded One Moment In Time, which tells of reaching the pinnacle of one's life, especially for the One Moment In Time (1988 Summer Olympics) compilation album to be used by NBC in promoting the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. Houston's single would do especially well in the UK, where it became her third charttopper after Saving All My Love For You and I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me). Overall, One Moment In Time would reach top 10 in over a dozen countries including No.6 in the Netherlands, No.5 in the singer's native America, and No.2 in Ireland
August 27, 1986 ~ Mario Dewar Barrett, mononymously known simply as singer, songwriter, actor, dancer Mario, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for his early 2000s singles Just A Friend and Let Me Love You. Has collaborated with Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Baby Bash, Hurricane Chris, Lil' Jon, Alex Gaudino, and Nitti Gritti
August 27, 1985 ~ Electropop, dance-pop, crunkcore singer, rapper, songwriter Sean Foreman born in Boulder, Colorado, USA ~ Half of electronic pop duo 3OH!3, the other half being Nathaniel Motte, known for songs such as Don't Trust Me and Starstrukk featuring Katy Perry. In-demand songwriter and collaborator. Has worked with Lil' Jon, Blues Traveler, Wallpaper, the Summer Set, Karmin, Ariana Grande, Delta Goodrem, Fitz & the Tantrums, and the Two Door Cinema Club. Co-wrote Ke$ha's Blah Blah Blah, a platinum hit in 2010
August 27, 1983 ~ Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova, commonly known as singer Jamala born in Osh, Kirghiz SSR ~ Internationally best known for winning the 2016 Eurovision Songfestival, representing Ukraine with the song 1944, one of the most politically charged songs in the history of the Songfestival
August 27, 1982 ~ Jorge Alves Barcelos, mononymously known as sertanejo singer Jorge, born in Itumbiara, Brazil ~ Forms the sertanejo duo Jorge & Mateus with Mateus Liduário, enjoying popularity since the mid 2000s especially as live performers. Their career would be given a further boost when their De Tanto Te Querer track would be featured in the popular telenovela A Favorita. The duo has primarily released live albums, of which the 2016 Como Sempre Feito Ninca (Ao Vivo) album was the most successful, spending ten weeks atop the charts in their native BrazilAugust 27, 1982 ~ Khulane Morule, commonly known as rapper Khuli Chana, born in Mmabatho, South Africa ~ Rapping since an early age, Morule was a member of rap group Morafe prior to venturing out on his own starting in the mid 2000s. Best known for his Motswakoriginator sophomore album released in 2009. The album, which infuses both the Setswana and English languages would become a defining album for the hip hop subgenre motswako
August 27, 1982 ~ Singer, bandleader Pacho Alonso passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Best known for his association with percussionist, composer Enrique Bonne, the duo credited with creating pilón, a musical form and dance. Alonso had first gained attention in the early 1950s as a vocalist for Mariano Mercerón's orchestra. Would team up with fellow orchestra members Fernando Alvarez and Benny Moré soon thereafter. As a bandleader, Alonso would enjoy popularity especially in his native Cuba during the late 1950s and 1960s, expanding his fanbase to an international audience n the 1970s. Artists who have recorded with Alonso's orchestra include Faustino Oramas, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Carlos Querol. Following Alonso's death at age 54, his son Pachito Alonso who had been with the band since the early 1970s took over leadership ~ Alonso was born in 1928August 27, 1979 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Jon Siebels, full name Jonathan Lee Siebels, born ~ Member of post-grunge outfit Eve 6, with whom he has recorded since the late 1990s starting with their eponymous Eve 6 debut album. The band is best known for the singles Inside Out and Here's To The Night, both of which reached top 30 Billboard Hot 100. Siebels also notably guested on Hesta Prynn's 2010 Can We Go Wrong debut EP, for which he co-wrote the songs You Winding Me Up, Whoa Whoa, and the title track Can We Go Wrong
August 27, 1978 ~ Violinist, orchestra director, composser Enrique Mario Francini passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Formed the Orquesta Francini-Pontier in 1945 with bandoneonist Armando Pontier. Also noted for working with Astor Piazzolla's Octeto Buenos Aires. Has also worked with Miguel Caló, Hector Stamponi, the Quinteto Real, Elvino Vardaro, Orlando Tripodi, and the Buenos Aires Philharmonic ~ Francini was born in 1916